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Project Manager
Indiana Broadband Office
Over the past few months, IBO has been able to assist with the preparation of federal grant applications. These programs highlight the importance of ensuring that broadband is accessible to all communities in the state of Indiana. As we continue to evaluate this need, we are excited for upcoming and available funding programs through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These programs include the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) and the State Digital Equity (DE) plan. IBO is also continuing to seek opportunities through the Affordable Care Plan (ACP) and other federally funded programs.
In addition, the summer is wrapping up and the IBO has begun reflecting on a busy but exciting season as we prepare for the school year. Broadband continues to be an asset for educators, employees and students as we navigate digital learning as a vital tool for making education accessible to individuals with different needs, access and learning abilities. As working from home and digital learning become more widespread, we want to keep in mind the communities that need well-connected and fast broadband services to make their everyday lives easier.
If you or someone you know is in need of better connectivity, check out The WiFi Project, a campaign through the Indiana Connectivity Program, or discuss options available to you through local providers. As we are continuing to prepare applications and state plans, please make sure to stay updated as we will be in touch with stakeholders and partners to discuss what our local engagement efforts will look like across the State.
For questions, please reach out to IBO at INbroadband@lg.in.gov.
Earnie Holtrey
Project Manager
Indiana Broadband Office
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Indiana Broadband Project Manager, Earnie Holtrey, and Chief Broadband Officer, Jodi Golden, recently visited State Broadband Leaders Network’s (SBLN) 2022 Summer Summit on August 3-5. The SBLN operates under the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) to work on state broadband initiatives. |
This summit gathered both federal and state partners along with federal agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), NTIA, and USDA to discuss the importance of broadband connectivity and share practices used by communities all around the country. During this summit, guests were invited to attend panels that included topics such as digital equity, working with broadband partners, broadband office leadership, working with tribes and marginalized communities, mapping, access, adoption, and more.
Earlier this month, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch designated Steuben County as a Broadband Ready community.
Crouch spoke highly of Steuben County, located in northeast Indiana, stating, “Every time a community becomes broadband ready, it’s a win for all Hoosiers. Congratulations to Steuben County on prioritizing broadband investment and continuing to market your community.”
The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana. The certification sends a signal to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment.
Steuben County Commissioner said, “The Indiana Broadband Office has provided our community a valuable tool which will assist with the expansion of connectivity in Steuben County.”
The total number of Broadband Ready communities is nearing 75, and IBO is enthusiastic for Indiana to reach 100 total communities.
To read more about the Broadband Ready communities, click here.
The Broadband Champion video series focuses on the game changers in communities across Indiana that work hard through collaboration, planning and relationship building to bring broadband to their area.
Be on the lookout for the next Broadband Champion! Is there someone who should be considered for an upcoming video? Email INbroadband@lg.in.gov to nominate a community's Broadband Champion!
Would you or someone you know beenfit from help covering the cost of internet services?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps households pay for Broadband internet services by providing a discount of up to $30 per month off the bill. The federal funds go directly to the service provider to cover the discount. In some cases, the subsidy will completely cover the cost of internet service.
To learn how to apply or see if your household is eligible, click here.
As the state prepares to apply for BEAD and DE funding, IBO will be tasked with creating a 5-year plan of how the state of Indiana will use these funds to connect each Indiana resident who is currently lacking affordable, reliable internet connectivity. Public engagement will be a primary component of the BEAD and DE state plans. In the next few months, IBO will be in touch with stakeholders and partners to discuss what our local engagement efforts will look like across the State.
The Indiana Broadband Office has developed a handbook to give communities the tools they need to prepare for broadband services and further their connectivity. These steps will be very important later this fall as IBO begins the local engagement period for the BEAD 5-year plan and DE plan. Please gather your resources now. IBO will have 9 months to create the BEAD plan and one year for the DE plan.
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